Chess in the Philippines, years from now chess will be considered as one of the most competitive game in the country in line with basketball and boxing. According to department of education, chess now is included in school curriculum, from grade 3 to 6, chess is included in Edukasyon Pangpalakas ng katawan subject and in the Physical Education classes for high school students.
Studies shown chess is a game that improves individual's organizational and analytical skills. If your child is exposed in this game at an early age, they will achieve more academically or even faster than those who have not been. Chess is the activity that helps build memory skills, concentration, self- esteem and in making disciplined decision.
Pilot program is in Markina school, and who's the mentor.... Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales and the First Filipino and Asia's first International Grand Master Eugene Torre. It's an overwhelming experience if they are your mentors, and sure you will learn from the expert. But in reality, they can't teach forever.
There are hundred of thousand of students in the Philippines, how can they assure the success of this program? According to DepEd they ordered the school division to look for chess experts who could serve as mentors to teachers and students.
Do you think it is necessary to include chess in school curriculum? Good for those who love chess and forced to those who are not interested.... and of course extra load for the teachers whether they like it or not. But who can tell? Years from now Philippines can develop another chess prodig like Wesley So and a lot of International Grandmaster.
Still the intention there is... TO EXCEL (like him GM Eugene Torre)
